"Best Beer in the World" Available for Limited Time in U.S.

Westvleteren XII has been dubbed the "world's best beer" by beer aficionados time and time again. Strangely, the only people unhappy about this are the Trappist monks in Belgium who make the beer. Now, due to monetary issues at the Saint Sixtus abbey, Westvleteren XII will make a one-time only appearance in the U.S.

According to ABC News, Wesvleteren XII can typically only be purchased by reservation at the abbey and is even rationed to customers willing to make the trek. However, the abbey is in need of a renovation, so the monks decided to make an exception and sell the infamous beer outside of the monastery.

Westvleteren Brewery spokesman, Mark Bode, is certain this will be the first and last time that the monks break their own rule about the beer. "They say 'We are monks, we don't want to be too commercial. We needed some money to help us buy the new abbey and that's it,' Back to normal again," he explained.

In fact, the monks are less than pleased about their product's status as best beer in the world. The Independent reports that the monks want to make sure their top priority is the monastery, not the beer. "We make the beer to live but we do not live for beer," Bode stated. It is for this reason that the beer continues to be made in limited quantities. However, the exclusive nature of the product, combined with its top notch ratings on websites like www.rateBeer.com, are exacerbating the monks' "problem."

Despite their concern about becoming too popular and commercial, the monks need to raise enough money to restore their abbey. For that reason, the beer will make the long trip to the United States. Sales of Westvleteren XII began on December 12, and many stores are already sold out. The beers are being sold in "bricks," six bottles and two glasses from the monastery for $84.99. Since it has consistently been rated as the best on the planet, it's not surprising that cases of the stuff are already up on eBay for triple the asking price. A press release for the Westvleteren XII brick specifies the U.S. stores that are stocking the brew.

Would you be interested in trying Westvleteren XII? Do you think the price of the "brick" is too high?

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